Private COVID-19 Vaccination in Scotland
Right Medicine Pharmacy offers private COVID-19 vaccination appointments for people who would like additional protection but are not eligible for a current NHS vaccination offer, or who prefer the convenience of a local private service.
The service costs £90 and is available at participating Right Medicine Pharmacy branches. Every appointment includes an individual suitability assessment with a trained pharmacist before vaccination.
The specific vaccine, eligible age range and recommended interval can vary according to current clinical guidance and the product available. The pharmacy team will confirm whether the service is suitable when you book or attend your appointment.
Why Consider a Private COVID-19 Vaccination?
COVID-19 continues to circulate, and protection from previous vaccination or infection can reduce over time. Vaccination can reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell, although no vaccine can completely prevent infection or transmission.
A private appointment may be suitable if:
- You are not eligible for the current seasonal NHS vaccination programme
- You would like to discuss additional private protection
- You prefer to arrange vaccination at a convenient local pharmacy
- You need vaccination at a particular time, subject to clinical suitability
- You want advice about your previous vaccination history
Booking the service does not guarantee that vaccination will be provided. The pharmacist must first confirm that the available vaccine is appropriate for your age, medical history and previous vaccination dates.
What Protection Does the Vaccine Provide?
COVID-19 vaccines prepare the immune system to respond to the virus. Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of severe disease, hospital admission and complications, particularly among people who are more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Protection takes time to develop and may reduce over time. You can also still contract or transmit COVID-19 after vaccination. Continue to follow appropriate public-health and workplace guidance if you develop symptoms or test positive.
The private service is not a substitute for urgent medical care or treatment for an active COVID-19 infection.
What Happens During the Suitability Assessment?
Before vaccination, the pharmacist will ask questions to determine whether the available vaccine is suitable. This may include discussing:
- Your age and general health
- Your previous COVID-19 vaccinations and their dates
- Any recent COVID-19 infection or current symptoms
- Allergies and previous reactions to vaccines
- Medicines you currently use
- Conditions or treatments that affect your immune system
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant
- Any recent or planned vaccinations
Provide accurate information and bring a record of previous COVID-19 vaccinations if available. A list of your medicines and allergies may also be helpful.
UK vaccination professionals use current product information and national clinical guidance when assessing patients. You can review the official COVID-19 Green Book guidance for detailed information about vaccination recommendations and precautions.
Which COVID-19 Vaccine Will I Receive?
The live service information does not specify a vaccine brand. The product offered may depend on current authorisation, clinical guidance, stock and your individual suitability.
The pharmacist will tell you which vaccine is available before it is administered and provide the relevant patient information. Ask any questions you have before agreeing to vaccination.
We do not recommend describing the service as providing the “latest vaccine” unless the pharmacy has confirmed the exact product currently in stock.
What Happens During the Appointment?
If the pharmacist confirms that vaccination is suitable, they will explain the expected benefits, common side effects and relevant precautions. You will then be asked to provide consent.
The vaccine is normally administered by injection into the upper arm. The pharmacist will record the vaccination and explain whether you need to remain at the pharmacy for observation afterwards.
You will receive advice about what to expect after vaccination and what to do if you feel unwell. Keep any vaccination record or product information supplied to you.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common temporary effects can include:
- Pain, tenderness or heaviness in the vaccinated arm
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills or mild flu-like symptoms
- A mild fever
These effects commonly begin within a day and improve over the following few days. Follow the pharmacist’s advice and the information supplied with your vaccine.
Read the UK Health Security Agency’s guidance on what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or another severe or unexpected reaction. Contact a healthcare professional if side effects are worsening, persistent or causing concern.
When Might Vaccination Be Postponed?
The pharmacist may recommend postponing the appointment if you are acutely unwell, have a fever or currently have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or another significant infection.
Vaccination may also be delayed if insufficient time has passed since a previous COVID-19 vaccine. The appropriate interval depends on current guidance, the vaccine product and your clinical circumstances, so check with the pharmacy rather than relying on a fixed interval published elsewhere.
If you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable medicine, tell the pharmacy before attending.
Can I Book for Work or Travel?
You can enquire about private vaccination for personal, occupational or travel-related reasons. However, Right Medicine Pharmacy cannot guarantee that a private vaccination or the accompanying record will satisfy a particular employer, country, airline or other organisation.
Check the organisation’s requirements before paying for the service. Entry and documentation rules can change, and COVID-19 vaccination requirements are separate from the clinical question of whether another dose is suitable for you.
If you need broader pre-travel health advice, visit our Travel Clinic page.
Private Vaccination and NHS Eligibility
The private service may be useful for people who are not included in the current NHS seasonal programme. If you are eligible for an NHS-funded vaccination, you may prefer to access it through the NHS rather than paying privately.
NHS eligibility can change between seasonal campaigns. The pharmacy team can explain whether the appointment being offered is private, but questions about NHS eligibility may need to be checked through current NHS Scotland information.
You may also wish to ask about the availability of our Private Flu Vaccination Service. The pharmacist can advise whether different vaccines can be administered during the same visit or need separate appointments.
Price and Booking Terms
The private COVID-19 vaccination service costs £90.
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. This is deducted from the total service cost, leaving £65 to pay when vaccination is provided.
If you need to change your appointment, the pharmacy can reschedule it when at least 24 hours’ notice is provided.
If the pharmacist decides that vaccination is unsuitable or cannot administer the vaccine, the £25 deposit will be retained as a consultation fee and will not be refunded.
Book a Private COVID-19 Vaccination
Book a private COVID-19 vaccination at a participating Right Medicine Pharmacy. Vaccination is subject to product availability and a pharmacist-led suitability assessment.
You can also find your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy or contact the team to confirm availability.